The Badminton World Federation says defending champion Lin Dan has been given a wild card for this year's world championships to be held in Guangzhou, China, from Aug. 5-11.

The world body made the announcement Thursday after its management committee unanimously decided to grant Lin a spot, saying his "fan appeal would significantly enhance the championships" in his homeland.

The 29-year-old Lin, a four-time world champion and two-time Olympic champion, did not qualify directly because his ranking has fallen to 41st because of limited participation since defending his title at the London Olympics.

Lin returned to competition at the Asia Championships last month but conceded a walkover in the quarterfinals due to an arm injury.